Our big day is approaching and we here at The Gazette want to make sure you’re prepared. Whether you’re celebrating at home or heading out for the festivities, we’ve compiled a list of the most important things you’re going to need to make sure you, and everyone around you, have a good time.

WEED

‘Nuff said.

A SOLID PLAN

We’ve got some ideas for you in our other articles this month, but have an idea of where you want to go and what you want to do. It’s ok if your plans end up changing at some point throughout the day, but it’s better to have a plan and not need it than to not have a plan and run out of things to do.

A BACKPACK

If you’re going out, you don’t want to have to put a pause on your day to run back home or to the store every time you need something. Take a solid backpack with you packed full of everything listed below to keep your pit stops to a minimum and the festivities to a max. For anybody celebrating at home, pull everything together and keep it all in one place so you never have to wonder where it went when you need it. Being prepared will only make your day so much better.

SNACKS

Let’s face it, the munchies are real and for most of us, 4/20 is the highest we’ll be this whole year. Don’t get caught off guard without something to munch on. High protein snacks like nuts will help keep you full all day, but don’t forget to satisfy that sweet tooth too. Nobody wants to deal with your high, hangry self so do everybody a favor and pack more than you think you’ll need.

DRINKS

Along the same line as the munchies is cotton mouth. You’re gonna need something tasty to wash the taste of The Sahara out of your mouth, especially if you’re going anywhere outdoors. In my mind, you can never go wrong with some of that raspberry Arizona Tea, but I’m sure you all have your own favorites too. Just remember to take some plain old water with you too; whatever your 4/20 plans are, we want to make a good impression on our communities and state, and showing that we can be responsible enough to take care of ourselves will go a long way to giving off a good image. Chances are you’re also going to want some caffeine for that inevitable crash. The biggest high of the year is bound to be accompanied by the biggest crash when you start to come down and although it may seem a good idea at the time, odds are you don’t want to be that guy passed taking a nap in the middle of a park.

SOME GOOD MUSIC

I’m not going to judge you for your choice in music, just be sure to play whatever you’re into. This is going to be your soundtrack for the day. Make it epic. Put together a playlist or even turn up your favorite Spotify radio station. Please remember to take some good headphones with you too though, nobody likes that guy blasting music out of his tinny phone speaker in public.

EXTRA LIGHTERS

I know not all of you smoke, but even if you vape or eat your weed, grab a couple lighters to keep in your pocket and you’re bound to be somebody’s hero. Lighters are just like socks in a dryer, there’s always one that manages to disappear, no matter how closely you keep an eye on it. They get stolen, forgotten, and they vanish into a mystical void from whence there is no return. But you can make a difference. With an extra lighter, you can help all those poor souls who otherwise couldn’t get high and save their 4/20.

FRIENDS

Even speaking as someone who really likes smoking alone, celebrating with your close friends will make this day much more special. Remember, it’s not just about getting high, it’s about sharing your love for this amazing plant and celebrating our legalization with all of those who share in your passion.

A TOWEL

Remember what Towelie says, “Don’t forget to bring a towel!” When you celebrate 4/20, there are countless ways you could get wet, and you’re gonna wish you had a towel with you to dry off when that happens. It’s also repeatedly mentioned in The Hitchhiker’s Guide, so you know it’s gotta be good advice. But seriously, a blanket or a towel can really come in handy if things start to get chilly or if you decide to take a break and sit down for a while. There’s lots of uses for one if you have it with you.

NICOTINE

For those of us who partake in tobacco as well as weed, you definitely don’t want to run out partway through the day. I always have my vape on me, especially when I get high. Come 4/20, you can be guaranteed I’ll be carrying around a couple extra bottles of juice and batteries for it as well so I never have to worry about running out of power or risking that dreaded dry hit. Let’s be real, a dry hit off a vape when you already have cotton mouth is just about the worst thing that could happen when you’re expecting a mouthful of sweet sweet vapor.